THE SANSKRIT TERM ‘KOSHA’ MEANS ‘SHEATH’. AYURVEDIC PHILOSOPHY TERMS IT AS THE ATMAN OR SELF. THE 5 KOSHAS IN THE BODY ARE SIMILAR TO LAYERS OF AN ONION.
As you move from the outer layers to the inner layers, you get deeper into the core of self being. You eventually discover that your body is made up of subtle degrees of energy: from the physical body, to the energetic body, to the mental body, to the wisdom body, and finally, to the bliss body. These five bodies cannot be separated or taken apart.
These layers are highly interrelated and constantly interactive with one another. This means whatever happens at one level has an effect on all other layers of the body. If there is any sort of disconnect from the spirit, it indicates that the bliss body has weakened and there is disharmony amongst all layers. On the other hand, connection with your bliss body brings you to a state of positivity and peace.
These subtle aspects of our being cannot be neglected. If complete happiness and total wellbeing is what we actually desire, we must care for all layers of our well-being. The philosophical application of yoga into our everyday life really helps to ensure harmony among all the koshas. It promotes overall well-being and brings you closer to your inner self, achieving the feeling of absolute fullness.